Kelly Ripa Reunites With Former Co-Host on ‘Live,’ Becomes a Legend

Live With Kelly And Mark host, Kelly Ripa reunited with her former co-host to create more cherished moments. This reunion also marked Kelly’s ascension to legend status.

On Monday, August 12, Kelly Ripa was noticeably absent from Live With Kelly And Mark. Maria Menounos stepped in to co-host alongside Mark Consuelos. However, Kelly returned on Tuesday, beaming with pride after being honored as a “Legend.”

While America missed Kelly on their favorite morning show, fans saw her in a touching reunion on Sunday, August 11, at the Disney Legend event in Anaheim, CA. During the ceremony celebrating prominent figures within the company for 2023, Kelly took to the stage with her former co-host, Ryan Seacrest. Sweetly, Ryan presented Kelly with the prestigious Disney Legend award.

Kelly, always one to lighten the mood, said, “Thank you so much, and Ryan, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m just so glad that you finally found something else to host.” This playful jab referenced the D3 event and Ryan’s new roles as the host of Wheel Of Fortune and Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune. The beloved TV personality can’t seem to escape the limelight.

In her acceptance speech, Kelly began by humorously acknowledging Ryan Seacrest’s extensive hosting resume. She said, “This feels surreal for me, and I wanna thank Bob Iger for this truly magical experience.” She added, “I’ve known Bob for incidentally 35 years, and he has not aged a day.” In jest, she asked, “So I just want to know what ride that is.”

Although honored, Kelly couldn’t help but poke fun at herself, saying, “I know what you’re thinking. Why her? What has she ever done? She doesn’t even go here.” She continued, “But to you, I say, you sound just like my family.”

Reflecting on her long history with the company, Kelly remarked that her career started with All My Children, where she met her now-husband, Mark Consuelos. She humorously noted that she and her “smoking hot husband” made their children “right backstage in the Disney labs.” Ultimately, she expressed profound gratitude for the Walt Disney Company and the career path it allowed her to carve out.

Becoming a Disney Legend is the company’s highest accolade. Ryan Seacrest emphasized this, saying it honors those who have “pushed the envelope of creativity, challenged conventional wisdom, and broken the constraints of the status quo in search of new possibilities and excellence.”

Besides Kelly, the 2023 Disney Legends included other renowned personalities such as Miley Cyrus, Angela Bassett, Colleen Atwood, James Cameron, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Following the event, Mark Consuelos proudly took to Instagram to honor his wife. He posted, “The woman, the myth, the Disney Legend!!! Proud of you babe!!!!”

Fans and other celebrities joined in the celebration. Comments flooded in, including, “Your wit and charm and beauty have been legendary for a very long time. Congratulations – so deserved!”

Another fan expressed confusion over the lack of television mention about Kelly’s achievement, saying, “Congratulations but why couldn’t your absence be explained by Mark? You should scream it from the rooftops. Great achievement.”

Comments continued with sentiments like, “Beautiful speech, so much gratitude, grace, and love!! Keep shining bright, Kelly!!” and “Congratulations! Truly Legendary!!!”

What do you think about Kelly Ripa achieving Disney Legend status? Were you surprised by her recognition? Are you thrilled that her former co-host Ryan Seacrest got to present her with this honor?

Source: TV Shows Ace